It must’ve been my second or third year in college. I was studying at the library one afternoon and went to take a bathroom break.

When I walked into the ladies’ room, I saw a girl crying at the sink. And these weren’t dainty little sniffles, either. They were primal, hit-you-in-the-gut kind of sobs that happen when your future has taken an unexpectedly sh*tty detour.

She looked at me, and I remembered that I had some tissue in my purse, so I took them out and offered them to her.

And then we hugged.

She clutched me tightly and cried in my arms for 10 minutes, barely saying a word. I just held onto her, and over and over again told her that she was going to be okay.

When she finished crying, I wet some paper towels with cold water to make an improv compress for her eyes, which was something my mom used to do when I was little.

As she began to regain her composure, we hugged again, and even though I didn’t know her name or what had happened, I tried to comfort her, to reassure her that she was strong enough, and she was going to get through it. And then I left to give her some privacy.

I never saw her after that, and to this day I wonder what happened to her, and if things turned out alright.

That was many years ago, but something about the LORAC Unzipped palette ($40) brought the memory back.

Some people will probably see this palette of 10 powder shadows and think of Urban Decay Naked, Naked 2 and the many spinoffs they inspired.

I can certainly see why, but — maybe it’s because of shade names like Unconditional, Uncensored and Unspoken — this palette also reminds me of that day, and days like it, when strangers unexpectedly walk in to find us emotionally stripped, unzipped and raw.

If I should ever find myself sobbing at the sink in a public restroom, I wonder if anyone out there would offer me a shoulder to cry on and maybe a few comforting words.

That’s a very sweet story Karen. I’m pretty sure the girl you hugged has thought of you in return as well. You never know, maybe you’ll run into her again one day. As for the palette, I’m a sucker for purples. =)

This is such a sweat story, Karen. It’s actions like what you did that day for that girl that show the true colors of a person, and it shows that you are goodhearted and caring. I’m sure she stiill remembers your kindness, and who knows, maybe one day she found herself in a similar situation and was able to pass it on

Wow. What an incredibly heart-warming story Karen. You were that girl’s angel that day. Truly, I think there are people out there, even if they are strangers, who find us when we are (sometimes literally) down on the ground and help us pick up the pieces and gather ourselves to move forward.

One time I flew over the handlebars of my bike and landed face down on the sidewalk. No one was around, and out of absolutely nowhere this little older lady quietly walked up to me and gently helped me up, brushed me off, took my hands and told me I was alright. She was my angel that day.

I can see the similarities between Unzipped and Naked 2, but personally I might still like Naked 2 more because there are more delicious mid- to dark-toned shades in there!

That must have been a heartbreaking experience, Karen. I don’t think I’ve broken down in front of strangers, and last time I bawled in someone’s arms was when I found out my cat Brownie had passed away while I was on my trip in the US. My old roommate/travel buddy T held me while I bawled like a baby. And I must stop thinking about this because I’m sitting in a cafe here. If I continue I’ll start bawling again.

Oh well, life sucks sometimes. I hope everybody in distress can find some comfort.

That’s such a touching story Karen! I know how hard it can be even to see someone you know in that kind of distress, and even with knowing them and their situation to not be able to offer much but comfort and a hug – so to do that for a person you’ve never met before actually takes a certain kind of bravery. Good for you and here’s a big e-hug coming your way for being such a lovely person! <3

I loved all these cool colors…very unusual palette but very user friendly…I just wished the eyeshadows were a bit more buttery.
Have u tried this brand called Girlactik?Neeraj recently posted … Day dreamers……..Delicate Metals

I really like the shades in the pan where they appear more distinct but I think many of these would end up looking more or less the same on the lids on my skin tone. Some of the shades I can think of which may be dupes are MAC Sable, MAC Twinks and Maxfactor Dark plum!corallista recently posted … Corallista and Glossybox Giveaway! (ends 15th Feb)

aww, i remember crying like that when one night i went to my boyfriend of five years house, and he was leaving with his ex and he told me from her car window that he always loved her and they were back together and then they drove away. i cried in the movie theater parking lot for over an hour. probably one of the most heartless things another human being has ever done to me. it is still paralyzing when i think about it.

Aw, thank you for being such a wonderful person and, more importantly, sharing so that other people can be inspired to do great things, as well. I feel CONFIDENT someone will help you when you are down, Karen!

I just love the way you weave a story into your posts! I’m always inspired by your writing. I think I would really love this LORAC palette, I seem to always be drawn to these types of shadows (love shimmers!).Tina B recently posted … Review: Aero Minerale Makeup Mist Foundation & Primer

That post bought tears to my eyes. I just hope the girl is happy now. Its tough to see people crying god only knows what she was going through. But to lend a shoulder to cry on without being nosy/or asking what happened is the best thing one can do..very touching post karen.

I have posted a review of the same product on my blog! I am so happy to know that other bloggers/women out there know how great it is! I feel like Urban Decay’s NAKED’s have taken over! lol I’m happy to see more brown out there!

It’s interesting how strangers are not really strangers, touching story. I bought this and really enjoy the shades. I don’t have any palettes like this one, and the shades are different from my original Naked palette (which I need to use more, shame on me). I usually love anything Lorac, and this is no exception. I use a really sticky base to keep the shades more metallic, LA Splash sealer/base. It’s a good one that you can’t even feel once it’s dry. Also works wonders with glitter.

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